Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive eye examination and vision care, which includes refraction, dispensing of glasses, fitting of contact lenses, detection, and diagnosis and management of eye disease.

In the HSE Optometrists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals who work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with doctors, nurses and other HSCPs. Optometrists work with patients of all ages in both HSE opthamology hubs and voluntary hospitals. Optometrists are involved in the management of children’s eye conditions like strabismus and amblyopia. In adult clinics they are involved in patient care before and after cataract surgery and in the management of glaucoma and macula degeneration.   

Using observation and questions, the optometrist can learn about the general health of the eyes. At an early stage, the amount the patient can read with each unaided eye is established. The optometrist then examines the eye tissues from a variety of directions, using instruments that shine light into the patient's eye and magnify various features, such as the cornea and retina. If a serious abnormality or disease is detected, further tests can be done and a full report is sent to the patient's doctor.

At a later stage in the examination, the optometrist places combinations of lenses in front of one or both eyes, to check how well the eye focuses. This will also detect any errors in colour vision and binocular vision. If a vision problem is diagnosed, the optometrist works out a prescription to correct it.  

In some optometry practices, particularly small ones, the optometrist will go on to supply and fit spectacles and test the accuracy of the lenses. In larger practices, a dispensing optician will assist the optometrist. Experienced optometrists may specialise in prescribing contact lenses or in correcting the visual problems of young children.  
 

Where Will I Work

Optometrists work in hospitals and community health settings, in independent optometry clinics, high street retail chains, research and teaching. The majority set up their own private practice. Some Optometrists are employed by lens manufacturers or related optical companies in clinical research and design, regulatory affairs, sales, professional services and training. 

Further information on the duties and skills for this occupation in the HSE  can be found here.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine eyes, using observation, instruments, and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus, and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities, such as glaucoma or color blindness.
• Analyse test results and develop a treatment plan.
• Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
• Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
• Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
• Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
• Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
• Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
• Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
• Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.

Further Information

• Optometrist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Optometrist- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

CORU Requirements

There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Optometrist, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.

One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.

What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?

This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Optometrist. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.

What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?

If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.

To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.

The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.

If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]

To work as an Optometrist in Ireland, you need to be registered with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals. 

The Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Technical University Dublin is currently the only approved qualification for the purposes of registration with CORU. 

Click here for Information on Approved Qualifications and Registration with CORU.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: pre-university science, laboratory techniques, applied science, food science.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: pre-university science, laboratory techniques, applied science, food science.

Certain Specific QQI Level 5 Certificate Programmes can provide links to the BSc in Optometry. 

• CASLT 5M3807 (Laboratory Techniques)
• CASFX 5M5267 (Food Science)

In all cases places are limited and applicants must have achieved six distinctions with five Distinctions from the following modules:

• 5N2751 Laboratory Skills
• C20006/5N2746 Biology
• D20001/5N0749 Anatomy & Physiology
• C20048/5N1460 Physics
• C20041/5N0737 Microbiology
• C20140/5N2006 Nutrition
• B20029/5N2066 Statistics
• C20011/5N2747 Chemistry
• C20022/5N2748 Food Chemistry

AND a Distinction in C20139 or 5N1833 (or LCE Maths O3/H7) 

Or a QQI Full Level 6 award in a relevant discipline.

You can find details of where these courses are run by entering the course titles into the Course Finder from the link below.

Search for PLC Courses

If you are in a PLC course or considering taking one, you can check to see if there is a progression pathway to courses in the CAO system. The following link will list all PLC courses that are related to the Healthcare sector in Ireland. Use the filters on that page to narrow your search as required. 

Search Progression Routes

Note: Courses completed at PLC/FET level require specific FETAC awards and modules to meet minimum entry requirements to apply via CAO for a place under the HELS Higher Education Links Scheme.

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Optometry

Mature Entry

All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry. Mature entry route is based on applying for a course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Applicants may be required to sit an assessment test or attend an interview. 

Places are limited and mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the programme and will also be assessed based on each Colleges [RPL] Recognition of prior learning.

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8). There are currently no postgraduate routes to becoming an Optometrist in Ireland. If you have a degree in Science some universities in UK and Europe offer postgraduate options. You would require to register with CORU on qualifying to practice in Ireland. 

Example search terms include: Optometry

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Career/ Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world. Optometrists are regulated by law (CORU).

There are opportunities to specialise and gain higher qualifications in areas such as paediatrics, contact lenses, glaucoma care, and low vision management.

In the HSE registered Optometrists who are qualified for 5 years, are eligible to apply for a Clinical Optometrist role in the HSE. Further information on clinical, management and educational pathways for career progression in the HSE is available here.

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a Optometrist within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses.

HSeLanD the Irish Health Service's online learning and development portal offers an array of training and development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom setting. 

Further information from Optometry Ireland.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €71k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ HSE/ Indeed/ Talent.com

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paramedics, Pharmaceutical technicians, Medical and dental technicians, Health associate professionals n.e.c., Dispensing opticians, Dental nurses.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

This occupation had the largest employment growth rate across all the healthcare occupations, relating mainly to growth between 2021 and 2022. Two thirds of those employed were female, a quarter were working part-time and 24% were non-Irish citizens. At 58%, this occupation had the lowest share employed in the health sector with employment also in wholesale and retail and industry. The small number of employment permits issued related to paramedics and prosthetists/orthotists.

This was one of the few occupations not to experience a decline in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) between 2022 and 2023; adverts included roles for medical/dental and pharmaceutical technicians. The available data sources do not currently point to issues with sourcing suitably qualified personnel for these roles.

• Association of Optometrists of Ireland (Optometry Ireland)

  • Kevin Culliton Rooms, 13 Greenmount House, Harolds Cross Rd, Dublin 6W.
  • 01 453 8850
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Optical Registration Board, CORU

  • 18 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Specsavers

  • Cirrus House 10 Experion Way Nottingham NG2 1EP
  • 0044 01566 771888/ 0044 0115 9330500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here